10 incredible music festivals in Asia

A trip with plenty of dancing alongside friends, family, or strangers is an unforgettable travel experience. From discovering new artists to making memories, it’s the perfect way to live in the moment.

Featuring all the top things to do and see, as well as places to stay nearby – here are the 10 hottest music festivals across Asia.

2023 dates: July 21–23
Where: Jakarta, Indonesia

Taking place in Jakarta at the end of July, We The Fest is a massive summer festival that’s about so much more than music. Even though the 2023 edition will host big names like The Strokes and Lewis Capaldi (with Lorde, SZA, Dua Lipa, and K-Pop star Eric Nam as past acts), it’s still a festival that’s equally focused on art, fashion, and food.

The venue is divided into several zones that celebrate the Indonesian capital’s vibrant culture. Visit the “Eats & Beats” area for ramen from Tokyo Belly, dan-dan noodles, and delicious local specialties. Also check out artistic offerings like murals, exhibitions, a WTF Cinema Club, installations, and free workshops. Recover with a stay at Ashley Tanah Abang in central Jakarta.

2023 dates: July 21–23
Where: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Pulling out all the stops for its 10-year anniversary in 2023, Good Vibes Festival promises world-acclaimed artists and mesmerizing sets. This eclectic festival held in Sepang International Circuit (right next to Kuala Lumpur International Airport) saw the Malaysian debut of London-based global music broadcasting platform, Boiler Room, in 2019. This year will see headliners The Strokes and The 1975 take the stage.

Expect special zones dedicated to a range of entertainment – from a silent disco with music streamed to headphones by two live DJs to local gourmet food vendors and a fashion section featuring local designers. Check in to Sama Sama Hotel KLIA right next to the festival.

2023 dates: July 28–30
Where: Naeba Ski Resort, Japan

Fuji Rock is the largest music festival in Japan, with attendance of around 150,000 in recent years. It’s held in the Niigata Mountains just a few hours outside of Tokyo, at the base of Mt. Naeba (not Mt. Fuji as you might expect). Direct bus services between Shinjuku and the festival site are also available for a fee. This spectacular setting promises misty rolling hills and crystal-clear rivers alongside a star-studded line-up. Oasis, Radiohead, LCD Soundsystem, Björk, Aphex Twin, and Gorillaz have all played at past events, while the likes of Yo La Tengo, Foo Fighters, and Lizzo are scheduled for 2023.

The site is fairly large, so be prepared for a little hiking to the more far-flung stages – and to one that’s a gondola ride away from the main festival area. Picturesque walks and immersion in nature only add to the ethereal atmosphere. After three days of camping on the hillside, you’ll struggle to tear yourself away. Stay at the stylish THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku when in Tokyo.

2023 dates: August 19–20
Where: Osaka & Chiba, Japan

Summer Sonic is a two-day festival split between two places, with equally massive line-ups wowing the crowds simultaneously in Osaka and Chiba, just east of Tokyo. It’s a mainstream yet mixed roster, with mega pop stars like Rihanna having headlined in the past. Blur, Kendrick Lamar, and Liam Gallagher are all set to perform in 2023.

Beyond the music, festival-goers can enjoy live artist painting demonstrations, art exhibitions, massages, games, cinema, and a silent disco. For those opting for the Osaka edition, Hotel Royal Classic Osaka is a great accommodation option.

2023 dates: various
Where: region-wide (Taipei, Shanghai, Bali, Singapore, Bangkok, Manila, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Seoul)

Since its inaugural edition in Miami in August 1999, Ultra has grown to hosting events all around the world. Now, with various events in cities like Shanghai, Singapore, Bangkok, and Seoul, international audiences have an even greater selection of world-class festivals to choose from than ever before.

It’s revered as much for its electric atmosphere, production value, and theatrical firework and light displays as it is for the music – and it’s bound to impress even the most seasoned ravers. If you attend Ultra Korea next year, a stay at Signiel Seoul will fast-track your festival recovery.

2023 dates: April 13–15
Where: Bangkok, Thailand

The three-day S2O Festival is held in mid-April to coincide with Thai New Year, aka Songkran. This annual nation-wide celebration sees the streets all over Thailand filled with people wielding water guns for one of the world’s biggest water fights – and Bangkok is the place to be. After draining your super soaker’s H2O ammo on Khao San Road, continue the party at the music festival for an unforgettable experience.

Hosted at Live Park Rama 9 in Bangkok, this huge event features some of the biggest DJs and producers in electronic dance music, making it a great opportunity to see your favorite acts live in an incredible setting. Stay at Tamni, a beautifully designed hostel with private rooms that’s like an oasis in the city.

2023 dates: March 3–5, December 1–3
Where: Hong Kong

When it comes to stunning festival backdrops, Hong Kong’s glittering skyscraper-filled skyline is hard to beat. Hosted on the city’s Central Harbourfront, Clockenflap provides the perfect vantage point. Billed as the best weekend of the year in Hong Kong, the Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival runs for three epic days.

With an exciting array of attractions and music, festival-goers can expect headliners like Arctic Monkeys, Wu-Tang Clan, Massive Attack, and Bombay Bicycle Club, to name a few. While in Hong Kong, stay at the highly rated K11 ARTUS.

2023 dates: March 8–10
Where: Singapore–Phuket–Singapore

For those looking to enjoy a wild festival experience with a bit of comfort and luxury—and the added thrill of being on a boat— It’s The Ship is it. Asia’s largest festival at sea, the unique ITS takes place on a cruise ship. It departs from Singapore, heads to Phuket in Thailand, then returns home – all over the course of three days.

The festival’s focus is on EDM, but there are alternative acts playing at various stages around the ship. Party to sets by acclaimed international and regional artists, then head back to your suite’s balcony to relax and enjoy the ocean view. Treat yourself to a post-festival stay at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands.

2023 dates: TBA
Where: Pattaya, Thailand

Uniting art, music, and creativity with environmental sustainability and social responsibility, Wonderfruit is an impressive, zero-plastic event. It takes place in the beautiful fields of the Siam Country Club in Pattaya, Thailand. It’s often described as the “Burning Man of Asia” for its innovative workshops, experiences, and overall vibe.

For five days, attendees can expect glorious sunshine, an impressive musical line-up, festival structures built by world-famous artists like Yayoi Kusama, phenomenal local Thai cuisine, and more. There’s even a carefully designed “ancestral forest” rewilding the landscape. Not to mention a “theater of feasts” where you can see Michelin-starred and local chefs do demos in an open-air kitchen. After the festival, enjoy the pool with a sublime view while staying at The Edge central pattaya.

2023 dates: TBA
Where: Jakarta, Indonesia

What started as a warehouse club night many moons ago has grown to become one of the largest annual dance music festivals in Asia. The Djakarta Warehouse Project (or DWP) lights up the Indonesian capital for two days every December, bringing together a diverse selection of electronic music stars.

Some highlights from past events include Diplo rolling over the audience in a zorb ball during his Major Lazer set, as well as appearances from Disclosure, Tiesto, Jamie Jones, and Porter Robinson. It’s a spectacular event with neon lights, fireworks, elaborate stage design, and an extensive food court. However, it’s the slick organization and upbeat party atmosphere that’ll keep you coming back year after year. Check into the highly rated Ashley Tang Menteng Jakarta.